The Franklin Institute’s Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times exhibit presents one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized, featuring twenty scrolls including the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible and four never-before-seen scrolls. With more than 600 items on display, visitors will experience firsthand the traditions, beliefs and iconic objects from everyday life, more than 2000 years ago. These fascinating artifacts, such as an actual three-ton stone from Jerusalem’s Western Wall, highlight the millennia-old traditions that continue to impact modern religions and society today. Included among the collection’s artifacts are the limestone capitals used in the architecture of the administrative centers during the first temple period (1006-586 BCE). Visitors will see artifacts from Jerusalem’s City of David, limestone Ossuaries from the early Roman period, and an ancient signature preserved for millennia on the Archer Seal. Together these artifacts reveal precious details about the culture, rituals, and beliefs of ancient Israel, spanning thousands of years.

Thomas L. McDonald writes about technology, theology, history, games, and shiny things. Details of his rather uneventful life as a professional writer and magazine editor can be found in the About tab.